Dogs have been humanity’s loyal companions for thousands of years, so it’s no surprise that they’ve earned a special place in music too. Whether they symbolize loyalty, evoke memories of childhood, or remind us of the ones we’ve loved and lost, songs about dogs cover everything from silly moments to heart-wrenching goodbyes.
This list rounds up the best of the bunch, from country songs about dogs to quirky indie gems and heartbreaking ballads about losing a dog.
Be sure to check out the Songs About Dogs Playlist at the bottom of this page.
Best Songs About Dogs
1. “I Love My Dog” – Cat Stevens
Lyric Sample: “I love my dog as much as I love you, but you may fade, my dog will always come through.”
This classic from Cat Stevens is a tender tribute to the unwavering loyalty of a beloved pet. It’s on this list because it celebrates the kind of dependable love that only a dog can give.
2. “Cracker Jack” – Dolly Parton
Lyric Sample: “The best friend that I ever had was Cracker Jack, but he was more than that.”
This nostalgic country ballad tells the story of a young girl and her scruffy dog, Cracker Jack, whose bond runs deeper than words. As one of the most touching songs about dogs being man’s best friend, it captures the innocence of childhood and the timeless comfort of a loyal companion.
3. “Maggie’s Song” – Chris Stapleton
Lyric Sample: “I told her she was a good dog, then I told her goodbye.”
Chris Stapleton delivers a gut-wrenching tribute to a rescue pup who grew into a beloved family protector. As far as songs about losing a dog go, this one stands tall for its emotional storytelling and its country soul.
4. “Chasing Butterflies” – Jordon Frank
Lyric Sample: “My only hope is, you’re up there chasing butterflies.”
This tender acoustic ballad captures the great bond between a man and his dog. Frank’s lyrics walk the line between grief and gratitude, painting a picture of loyalty, healing, and a wish for peace beyond the rainbow bridge.
5. “I Want a Dog” – Pet Shop Boys
Lyric Sample: “I want a dog, a Chihuahua, when I get back to my small flat, I want to hear somebody bark.”
This synth-pop tune blends dry humor with genuine longing for simple companionship. It stands out as a unique take on loneliness and the comfort a pet can bring.
6. “Old Shep” – Red Foley
Lyric Sample: “He came to my side and looked up at me, and laid his old head on my knee.”
“Old Shep” is one of the earliest and most iconic songs about losing a dog, tugging at heartstrings with its story of a boy and his faithful hound. The emotional storytelling helped make this a staple in the country music canon.
7. “Martha My Dear” – The Beatles
Lyric Sample: “Martha my dear, though I spend my days in conversation, please remember me.”
This bouncy piano tune may sound like a love song, but it’s actually written about Paul McCartney’s sheepdog, Martha. It earns its spot on this list for showing how a dog’s presence can leave a lifelong impression.
8. “Dogs Are the Best People” – The Fauves
Lyric Sample: “But you say no way now, there’s a church, there is a steeple, dogs are the best people”
This quirky alt-rock ode leans into the devotion, innocence, and purity of dogs with deadpan charm and dry wit. It’s both a celebration of canine companionship and a sly critique of human hang-ups about love, loyalty, and letting dogs sleep on the bed.
9. “The Puppy Song” – Harry Nilsson
Lyric Sample: “If only I could have a puppy, I’d call myself so very lucky.”
Whimsical and touching, Nilsson’s tune captures the pure innocence of wanting a dog. Its childlike sincerity makes it a timeless addition to any playlist of songs about dogs.
10. “Ol’ Red” – Blake Shelton
Lyric Sample: “Now, Ol’ Red, he’s the damnedest dog that I’ve ever seen.”
This track follows a prisoner who cleverly uses the warden’s bloodhound, Ol’ Red, to help him escape. It’s a fan-favorite country song about dogs, loyalty, and unexpected redemption.
11. “Everything Reminds Me of My Dog” – Jane Siberry
Lyric Sample: “This whole world reminds me of my dog.”
This surreal, rambling meditation captures how deeply a beloved dog can permeate every corner of a person’s emotional landscape. Through funny, tender, and strange associations, Siberry paints a picture of grief, memory, and obsession that feels both personal and oddly universal.
12. “Gonna Buy Me a Dog” – The Monkees
Lyric Sample: “I’m gonna buy me a dog, ’cause I need a friend now.”
This playful breakup song turns heartache into comedy, thanks to a dog-shaped coping mechanism. Packed with goofy banter and improvised lines, it’s less about sorrow and more about shrugging it off, and maybe finding comfort in a loyal, tail-wagging friend.
13. “My Dog” – Lowertown
Lyric Sample: “My dog always knows what to say when words have no meanings, right there on my feet.”
“My Dog” beautifully captures the quiet, comforting bond between a person and their dog. Randy is a loyal friend who offers unconditional support and understanding without needing words.
14. “Seamus” – Pink Floyd
Lyric Sample: “Seamus, my old hound, was outside, my old hound dog sat right down and cried.”
This track is a mellow, bluesy tribute to the band’s dog. The simple lyrics and ambient sounds capture the quiet companionship of a beloved pet.
15. “Like My Dog” – Billy Currington
Lyric Sample: “I want you to love me like my dog does, baby.”
Currington’s upbeat track humorously compares romantic relationships to the unconditional love of a dog. It’s a standout country song about dogs because it’s both playful and strangely relatable.
16. “A Love Profound” – Bully
Lyric Sample: “Oftentimes, the softness in your gaze brought me to the next day.”
“A Love Profound” is about Bully losing her dog and the profound love that carried her through. It’s a raw, honest look at grief and how pets become everything in our lives.
17. “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window” – Patti Page
Lyric Sample: “How much is that doggie in the window? The one with the waggly tail.”
This sing-along classic from the 1950s captures the excitement of picking out a new furry friend. Its cheery tone and memorable hook have made it a staple for generations of dog lovers.
18. “Gypsy Joe and Me” – Dolly Parton
Lyric Sample: “Now Gypsy was my little dog, I found by the road in a ditch.”
This tender song tells the story of a life lived simply and freely, with the bond between a woman, her dog Gypsy Joe, and her man. It’s a bittersweet track about love, loss, and the memories that keep them close even after they’re gone.
19. “I Love My Dog” – Sublime
Lyric Sample: I love my dog, I love, I love my dog.
Bradley Nowell sings simply and sincerely about his love for his dog Lou Dog. The song is a straightforward expression of that bond.
20. “The Dog Song” – Nellie McKay
Lyric Sample: I’m just a walkin’ my dog, singin’ my song, strollin’ along.
McKay joyfully celebrates the companionship and happiness a dog brings, turning a lonely life into one full of light. The song’s playful spirit invites listeners to find joy and love through their dogs.
21. “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo” – Lobo
Lyric Sample: “Me and you and a dog named Boo, travelin’ and livin’ off the land.”
Lobo’s soft rock song is a nostalgic road trip anthem that celebrates simple pleasures. The dog becomes a symbol of freedom, love, and life on the road.
22. “Quiche Lorraine” – The B-52’s
Lyric Sample: “At the end of my forty-foot leash is my little friend, Quiche La Poodle.”
The B-52’s paint a quirky, joyful picture of their bond with a beloved dog named Quiche Lorraine. The song’s playful tone captures the simple happiness a dog can bring on even the gloomiest days.
23. “Man of the Hour” – Norah Jones
Lyric Sample: “You never lie and you don’t cheat, and you don’t have any baggage tied to your four feet.”
This jazz-pop tune is a sweet tribute to a dog who beats out all the human suitors. The lyrics remind us how loyal and drama-free our pets can be.
24. “Bron-Y-Aur Stomp” – Led Zeppelin
Lyric Sample: “Ain’t no companion like a blue-eyed Merle.”
“Bron-Y-Aur Stomp” celebrates a joyful, pure friendship between Robert Plant and his dog, Strider. The song is about the simple, lasting bond shared during peaceful walks in nature.
25. “Old Blue” – The Byrds
Lyric Sample: “Well I had an old dog and his name was Blue.”
“Old Blue” is a traditional folk song revived by The Byrds, paying homage to a loyal hunting dog. It’s a touching tribute to a faithful companion gone but never forgotten.
26. “The More Boys I Meet” – Carrie Underwood
Lyric Sample: “The more boys I meet, the more I love my dog.”
Carrie Underwood delivers sass and charm in this country-pop track about choosing canine companionship over romantic disasters. It’s one of the catchiest songs about dogs being our best friends, and better than boyfriends.
27. “Clifford the Big Red Dog” – Opening Theme
Lyric Sample: “Clifford’s the best friend anyone could know.”
This cheerful theme captures the joyful and loyal spirit of Clifford, celebrating the unconditional friendship and love a dog brings to life. It’s a perfect song for the beloved giant red dog who’s always there for his friends.
28. “My Dog and Me” – John Hiatt
Lyric Sample: “I never felt so free. it was just my dog and me.”
John Hiatt’s song celebrates the unspoken bond between a man and his dog, capturing the freedom and companionship found in their shared adventures. It’s an ode to loyalty and the simple joy of having a faithful friend by your side.
29. “Shannon” – Henry Gross
Lyric Sample: “Shannon is gone, I heard she’s drifting out to sea.”
Written about the passing of Beach Boys member Carl Wilson’s dog, “Shannon” is a gentle soft rock ballad filled with emotion. Its soothing melody and honest lyrics have made it one of the most memorable songs about losing a beloved dog.
Why Music Loves Man’s Best Friend
Dogs have a way of bringing out the most sincere emotions in us, from love to devastating grief. These tracks prove just how often our canine companions inspire some of music’s most touching moments, whether through a quirky pop jam or a gut-wrenching country ballad.
So next time you’re looking for the perfect song about dogs, whether it’s to cry, smile, or just reminisce, this list has you covered.
If you’re still in the mood for more emotional or animal-inspired tunes, check out our lists of Songs About Cats and Songs About Missing Someone.